Intertwined passions ~

Rebels ~

My recent Memorial Day visit was to the Lee’s Summit Historical Cemetery where there were lots of flowers, Quantrill’s Raiders, and Civil War veterans. The most famous being Cole Younger of the James-Younger Gang. Above is Oliver B. Shephard who rode with William Quantrill. After the war he robbed a bank in Russellville, Kentucky, and was subsequently shot by a vigilante posse.

After more than 20 years in a Minnesota prison, Cole was paroled in 1901 but was not allowed to leave the state. Along with brother Jim, Cole sold tombstones and insurance for a time. After his official parole in 1903, he returned home to Lee’s Summit where he lived the rest of his life as a model citizen.

Bursheba Fristoe Younger, 1816 – 1870, was the mother of Cole, Jim, and Robert. She came to this area in the 1840’s from Tennessee.

Cole’s brothers were also part of the Quantrill and the James – Younger Gang. Along with Cole, they were wounded and captured in Minnesota after a botched bank robbery. Robert died during imprisonment in Minnesota of tuberculosis. Jim killed himself when not permitted to marry the girl he met in Minnesota.

A valued member of Quantrill’s cavalry and whose wife must be immortal.

A more modern headstone. Party on Joel.

W.T. Chrismas a local socialite and lawyer whose French styled tomb was showing some wear.

Time has taken even the name.

Arise!

(1842-1868) The oldest grave in the cemetery.

“It was the earliest desire of my parents to prepare me for the ministry, but the horrors of war, the murder of my father, and the outrages perpetrated upon my poor old mother, my sisters and brothers, destroyed our hopes so effectually that none of us could be prepared for any duty in life except revenge.” — Cole Younger

It appears that Mr. Shepard’s family was not convinced that he was in the wrong at the time of his death. I’ve visited quite a few historical cemeteries, and I think this is the first time I’ve seen “assassinated” on a marker.

His granddaughter who was an eye witness, Margaret, said he was unarmed and shot 20 times by police officers when captured at one of the family homes. First time I’d seen “assassinated” on a marker as well.